Retail Attraction: Commercial
Category Winner.

A commitment to sustainable practices has helped the Springbrook Prairie Pavilion retail development attract green tenants.

The Springbrook Prairie Pavilion (SPP) development strategy sought to bring unique retail offerings to the market while differentiating the physical and aesthetic quality of the center, earning it a 2009 Excellence in Design Award in the commercial category from ED+C.

The 230,000-square-foot SPP in Naperville, Ill., was developed by Bond Companies and MDC Properties. SPP’s design integrates architectural detail with sustainability features while making the massing of the 27 acres feel comfortable, according to the developer. A central plaza connects the retail buildings while creating traffic-calming measures. It is used for community events, including a farmers market in the spring and a craft show during the summer.

Sustainable Building Strategies

As what is believed will be the first LEED Silver retail center in the metropolitan area, SPP offers sustainable features throughout the project such as white reflective rubber roofing, bike racks, energy-efficient storefronts and preferred parking for fuel-efficient vehicles.

Low-flow plumbing fixtures conserve water, and open-grid permeable pavers feed water into an underground StormTrap system while also reducing the heat-island effect. SPP’s landscaping reflects its commitment to the environment through the use of bioswales and native plants and trees that will not require the use of potable water for irrigation after the first year of development. Both the permeable pavers and energy-conscious landscaping comply with the Best Water Management Practices of DuPage County.

More than 20 percent of the building’s construction materials were manufactured locally, which directly benefits the surrounding economy and minimizes transportation pollution. Recycling has also played a key part in limiting the project’s impact on the ecosystem. Three-quarters of the construction waste generated was recycled, and building materials such as reinforcement steel, aluminum window frames and crushed concrete used for backfill contained more than 20 percent recycled material. In addition, more than half of the wood used for structural framing and flooring was Forest Stewardship Council certified.
Tenant and Community Consideration

SPP’s design shows consideration for the customers and workers who frequent it. Individually ventilated stores prevent cross-contamination of airborne irritants, and high-grade filters installed at all outdoor air intakes trap significant quantities of harmful substances. SPP’s highly efficient HVAC systems utilize R-410A, a refrigerant that contains low levels of ozone-depleting substances and also results in savings on electric costs. Furthermore, sustainable elements — including carbon monoxide monitors and built-in economizers that regulate the outdoor-air intake based on the number of occupants in the space; low-VOC adhesives, sealants, paints and carpets; a green pest-control program, which eliminates and deters pests without using toxic chemicals; and a commitment to increase community awareness of sustainable practices — have aided in SPP’s ability to attract a best-in-category tenant mix.

Importantly, SPP is also a leader in renewable energy. Powering and empowering the center is a multiyear commitment to purchase 10 million kilowatt hours of wind-generated Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), which allows the center to significantly reduce its carbon footprint. The RECs apply to 100 percent of the anticipated electricity demand, and they offset more than 13 million pounds of carbon dioxide, which is equivalent to planting 5,500 acres of trees or eliminating 15.5 million miles of driving.

SPP’s green qualities have given the center a lower carbon footprint than any other center in the area. While raising awareness in the community was a goal, the heights to which awareness has been raised was an unintended consequence of greening SPP.

Information was submitted by Bond Companies (www.bondcompanies.com). Environmental Design + Construction announced the winners of the 2009 Excellence in Design Awards in the June 2009 issue (see page 10). Additional category winners and finalists will be featured in detail in future issues. The application for the 2010 awards will be available autumn 2009 at eid.EDCmag.com.